The 49ers went with frugality over flash Saturday, signing former St. Louis Ram Craig Dahl to a three-year, $5 million deal and giving him license to take over Dashon Goldson's old position at safety.

"They told me that there was an opportunity to play in the voided safety position in the secondary," said Dahl, 27. "I'm hoping to come in here and mesh well with the secondary and fill that void."

The 49ers also have had their eye on 15-year veteran Charles Woodson, who met with the 49ers on Wednesday. Dahl's modest deal – he also received an $800,000 signing bonus – does not preclude the team from adding Woodson, 36. But it is more evidence they will not spend a lot at the position.

Veteran Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed, for instance, has been mentioned in conjunction with the 49ers. Reed reportedly is seeking at least $5 million a year – the Houston Texans and Ravens are vying for him – and the 49ers likely won't join the bidding.